Root Cause Analysis for the Produce Industry By Afreen Malik, Science Programs Director Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a systematic yet flexible approach to problem solving. It helps identify and address the root causes of failures in processes that may lead to defects or problems. One of the most used techniques in RCA is the “5 Whys” which was developed by Sakichi Toyoda of Toyota Motor Corporation as “the basis of Toyota’s scientific approach by repeating ‘Why’ five times” to reveal the nature of the problem and its solution. Since then, this technique has been used within lean manufacturing and Six Sigma as an effective way to identify root causes and implement appropriate preventive measures to avoid recurrence.
The main benefit of RCA is that it can help identify fundamental, systemic issues and failures and help prevent recurrence of these issues. With RCA, you can direct valuable resources where they are needed most— in implementing mitigation strategies which address the root causes as opposed to those that only affect the symptoms of the problem. This can lead to many benefits for an organization such as reduced costs, reduced risks, improved stakeholder relationships, and production of safe, reliable products. By effectively addressing these root causes, you help protect your business and the health and wellbeing of consumers who rely on fresh produce for a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, RCA can help meet regulatory expectations regarding RCA. In a recent update to the Leafy Greens
Action Plan (LGAP), the Food and Drug Administration made a commitment to “invigorate” RCA and “to advance, standardize, and increase awareness about the value of root cause analysis protocols for food safety.” Industry can lead this effort to outline what RCA looks like in the produce industry and adopt the use of RCA as a tool for continual improvement in food safety. Western Growers’ Science team, which includes Senior Vice President of Science Dr. De Ann Davis, Assistant Vice President of Science Sonia Salas, Science Program Director Afreen Malik, Data Programs Analyst Marlene Hanken, and Science Program Specialist Scott Nichols, is here to help the industry adopt RCA as a valuable tool for solving produce safety and quality related problems. WG is developing a suite of resources that can help you
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JULY | AUGUST 2021
Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com
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